For those who are new to 12-step program lingo, this is a strange-sounding phrase. Its meaning will become clearer over time, but is confusing at first. Just what do they mean by “one day at a time”? Most newly recovering addicts will argue that they are here for long time recovery or to quit forever. As usual, this is a great idea, but a tough one to live out.

For most who have developed a lifestyle that is centered on their addiction, the specter of remaining abstinent looms dark and forbidding into a future that seems bleak without the companions of substances and behaviors that have been the only friends an addict sometimes has left. Take these away, and just what, pray tell, are they supposed to do? A savvy friend or sponsor will laugh then and tell them that they only need to remain abstinent for this one day. “Oh…so that is it,” thinks the newcomer…”but I still don’t understand.” And of course, they do not understand. Other than the loss of the horrendous consequences they have been paying for their addiction and its accompanying behaviors, there is little to recommend a life without the practice of active addiction. And, if there is a life without it, what kind of life could it possibly be?

Certain that there is no more fun to be had in their lives, that they will never laugh or enjoy themselves again, because they are so uncomfortable without the security blanket of their drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, or whatever their addiction was, even one day seems to stretch out in front of them, dreary and bleak. They have become so used to the feelings of being in an altered state of mind that it is impossible to see how it could ever be any better without the only friend(s) they had left.

So, one day at a time can mean that they only have to figure out how to go through this 24-hour period of time without substances. To even contemplate staying abstinent for any longer is an overwhelming idea. So, it can be broken down into segments that are comfortable for the newly recovering addict…one day, which can be further broken down into hours, or even minutes if their anxiety about not using or drinking or participating in an addictive behavior is at stake. With the help of their newly-formed support group and a strong relationship with a sponsor, it can go that slowly…one minute, one hour, one day at a time. Somehow, they will wake up in the morning after a strenuous day and feel amazed that they remained abstinent for that day!

The true miracles of recovery are those first days. They are absolutely impossible to achieve, and yet, it does happen! With or without a treatment or recovery setting, there is hope! With the hope that they can do it for just one more minute, one more hour, or one more day coupled with the experience of actually having done it for a few minutes, hours and days, there is hope and a sense of certainty. A support group will provide this certainty as well. As the newcomer hears the stories of the recovery of those in the meetings, they become more assured that, “If they can do it, so can I!”

Kelly McClanahan has an MSW in clinical social work, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Having worked in this field for over 20 years, she is currently working on her certification as an addictions’ counselor.

“Practicing what you preach” is an important part of anyone’s recovery. As people become mindful of spiritual principles and begin recovering from addiction and its attendant attitudes and behaviors, it is a very good motto for recovering addicts to aspire to.

The beginning of becoming authentic to oneself is to honor the truth of their experience and to live that truth. This sounds simple, but is difficult to do for those who have lived in a state of denial and dishonesty about the nature of their addiction and its impact and influence over their life.

Coming out of denial means facing some harsh truths about yourself, your life and your behaviors. This then becomes a path that one embarks on to recover from the addiction that dictated its denial in order to survive. As recovery takes place, new ways of looking at oneself and new ways of behaving are necessary. It is vital that the truth be apparent not only to that person, but to the people around him as he goes along the recovery path. This then, becomes the new “walk” for his recovering persona. While a recovering addict may know the lingo of recovery, it is essential for his recovery that he learns how to walk it as well.

Most of us have a vision of who we are and how we want to live in the world. Active addiction creates a huge gap in that vision and the reality of becoming a practicing addict who is inauthentic to others as well as himself. This conflict does not allow the addict to feel a sense of unity between his view of who he is and the view others hold of him and his behavior. Becoming authentic is the path of recovery. In finding his own set of inner principles and guidance, the addict begins to walk the path he feels called to walk. Authenticity begins to become integrity. After a time, this same recovering addict can begin to trust that there is a path that belongs to him and that he is on it. As trust is developed and grows, it becomes possible for the truth to be manifested in all his actions and behaviors. Self-esteem and self-worth are apparent in the way the addict walks through the world and takes great care to behave in ways that bring him more and more satisfaction and integrity.

All of this new behavior is part of “walking the walk.” To talk about doing the right thing in difficult circumstances is something, but to actually go out and do it is evidence of the power of recovery. A saying that exemplifies this is, “Recovery means doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.” Integrity means that what is said and what is done are the same thing. The words and the actions match, even if only one of them is observed by another. That inside himself, the addict knows that the right way is the way he wants to walk. It isn’t the right way according to others, or society, or a religious body, or any other judgment of what is right, but his own that rules the behavior he exhibits. It is his inner compass that determines the path he takes and that his compass is true and honest and willing to be seen by the world around him as the way he is and the person he is becoming. As well as authentic and integral, this is the path of honor.

Kelly McClanahan has an MSW in clinical social work, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Having worked in this field for over 20 years, she is currently working on her certification as an addictions’ counselor.

When you are looking for help with a substance abuse problem, your choices for help may seem overwhelming. There are several different kinds of treatment and several different levels of care that vary in intensity. It can be a challenge to determine what level of care is appropriate for you. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has established a set of criteria for determining the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse. A skilled substance abuse counselor will be able to help you make this determination and guide you to the level of care that best fits your needs.

Early intervention treatment is the least restrictive and least intense level of care. In early intervention treatment, people who are considered to be at a high risk for abusing substances are able to learn more about drugs and alcohol and identify high risk behaviors. Individuals that are appropriate for this level of care do not currently meet criteria for a substance abuse disorder, but are still able to benefit from some sort of treatment.

Outpatient treatment is the next level of care that is provided for substance abuse treatment. Individuals receiving outpatient services are seen by a counselor according to patient need, although this must be less than nine hours a week. Generally, an individual will carry a substance abuse diagnosis at this level of care, but the symptoms the individual displays are not serious enough to interfere with daily activities of living to a point that a higher level of care would be necessary.

Intensive outpatient treatment is very similar to traditional outpatient treatment. The main difference between these two levels of care is that the individual must spend a minimum of nine hours a week in services. Intensive outpatient treatment does not require the individual to live at the facility where treatment is being provided, but does offer the individual the opportunity to work through issues related to substances on an intense level. Individuals in this level of care are experiencing a decline in the ability to handle their daily activities of living and, therefore, meet criteria for receiving services at a higher level of care than those in traditional outpatient settings.

Residential treatment takes place when the individual lives at the facility, and the majority of the individual’s time is spent focusing on recovery. Residential treatment is gender specific in terms of living quarters, although treatment oriented activities such as group may contain members of both sexes. Residential treatment facilities have staff members on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are able to provide constant support for individuals receiving treatment. Residential treatment is recommended for individuals who cannot abstain from using substances in a less intense level of care, and/or cannot keep up with activities of daily living. These programs are traditionally 28 days in length, but can vary depending on the needs of the individual.

Medically managed treatment is the most intense level of care available. This setting has the same components that of a residential treatment, but also requires a doctor to see the individual on a daily basis. This level of care is appropriate for individuals who have severe biomedical complications due to their substance use, such as a person requiring a medically monitored detox. This level of care tends to be brief in nature due to the intensity of the services provided, but is often followed up by traditional residential treatment.

Jessica Parks is a certified alcohol and drug counselor in the state of Illinois and has her M.A. in art therapy counseling.

Alternative Methods of Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcoholism is a disease that has many facets.  The causes and symptoms vary widely from patient to patient,  and so do the patient’s needs.  Though there are widely accepted medical and social approaches to alcohol addiction treatment, there is no “one size fits all” method of recovery.

Faith-based treatment, most often Christian, teaches the addict to rely on the power of God for help in breaking the addiction.  Such programs strive to build spiritual strength through prayer and meditation, in the belief that a strong relationship with God will give the addict a powerful resource for recovery.

Some alcohol addiction treatment facilities use a primarily medical model.  While the clinical approach uses pharmacological aids, especially in the early stages of detox and recovery, psychological work is still an important element in treatment.

Holistic Approaches to Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Holistic models of alcohol addiction treatment combine a variety of therapeutic approaches, often with an emphasis on body work. Physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects are all addressed through a variety of means.  Acupressure, acupuncture, massage therapy, tai chi, yoga, meditation and other techniques help the addict restore both body and mind to health.  Some facilities also include more physically active elements such as horseback riding or tennis.  These holistic approaches are generally combined with more traditional methods such as twelve-step meetings, psychotherapy and group or individual counseling.

Browse through our listings to find a treatment facility that offers the approach you prefer.  Exactly what type of treatment you get is less important than the fact of getting treatment.

Find the Alcohol Addiction Treatment That Best Serves You

The 12-step program developed by Bill W. forms the basis for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and other recovery programs, and is probably the best known model for alcohol addiction treatment.

However, that doesn’t mean it is the only means of rehabilitation, nor necessarily the best method. If you have been considering treatment for alcohol addiction but don’t feel that 12-step programs are for you, don’t let that stop you from getting the help you need.

Many Methods of Alcohol Addiction Treatment

At SoberRecovery.com, we are committed to helping you find the alcohol addiction treatment that works for you. We maintain a directory of reputable treatment centers, including non-12-step approaches. Many of these are holistic treatment centers, which focus on the entire person rather than just the addiction. Many others are faith based, primarily Christian, but there are other religions represented as well.

One of the more controversial approaches to alcohol abuse treatment is the non-disease model, such as Managed Moderation. These programs do not consider alcoholism a disease that requires total abstinence. Through the use of psychological therapy, medication and self-management strategies, these programs seek to allow the client to maintain a healthy, non-abusive relationship with alcohol, controlling their use rather than letting it control them.

Some alcohol addiction treatments rely primarily on medications, while others stress psychotherapy and even physical activity. With so many options to choose from, you can find a treatment center that fits with your beliefs, preferences and lifestyle. The most important issue isn’t where or how you get help. The truly important issue is that you DO get help.